Thursday, March 22, 2012

What does the phrase "Big Boned" really mean?

Big Boned: (adjective) having a bone structure that is massive in contrast with the surrounding flesh
according to Dictionary.com

Big Boned: when someone's bones are larger than average (this can be described as "stocky") Can also be used to say someone is overweight in a polite manner
according to Urbandictionary.com

So how do you use the term big boned? Which one is the correct definition or is there a stereotype associated with larger framed people and being overweight?
Overuse of this phrase has reduced the accountability of people who may be overweight and just say "I was born big boned." Intead of using this phrase lets shift toward body frame size in terms of small frame, medium frame and large frame.

To give an estimate of your body frame you can do a simple test.

Measure the circumference around your wrist. Use that measurement in relation to height to get an estimate of your body frame based on the chart below.

Women:

Height under 5'2"

Small = wrist size less than 5.5"

Medium = wrist size 5.5" to 5.75"

Large = wrist size over 5.75"

Height 5'2" to 5' 5"

Small = wrist size less than 6"

Medium = wrist size 6" to 6.25"

Large = wrist size over 6.25"

Height over 5' 5"

Small = wrist size less than 6.25"

Medium = wrist size 6.25" to 6.5"

Large = wrist size over 6.5"

Men:

Height over 5' 5"

Small = wrist size 5.5" to 6.5"

Medium = wrist size 6.5" to 7.5"

Large = wrist size over 7.5"

What does this estimate?
Again I cannot stress this enough, the calculations above are an estimate of the size of your body frame in terms of small, medium, and large.

I find it insulting for other people to call someone 'big boned' when they are smaller than that person and are unaware of what message they could be portraying. Body frame size gives us an idea but is not an exact measurement of the size of our bones. Instead of focusing on or settling with the phrase 'big boned" we should shift more towards the idea that everyone's body composition is different and we should all work together to fuel it in the healthiest way possible.

About Me

Well to start things off my name is Ashley Fletcher and I’m a Senior at James Madison University, finishing up my Health Science degree, concentrating on Public Health. The past four years have flown by, mostly due to my passion for the health field and interest in emerging science. I currently work at Gold's Gym where I love my job and am surrounded by fitness and lots of people. I am also an Intern at the RMH Women's Center working with the Heart Check program. I believe I was put on this earth to make a difference in people's lives and feel like if I reach out or touch one person a day, my day is complete. I love to communicate and interact with people, usually helping them in any way possible. I may be a busy bee but I will never turn down someone asking for help or something to do with fitness. My philosophy in life is Go Big or Go Home and I use that for everything I do, especially with workouts. I have a huge passion for fitness, staying healthy, and finding that balance in life. Healthy Heart, Healthy mind will be my small way of reminding people that life is too short to be "too busy" all the time and that you need to focus on yourself every once in a while.